
Hosted by Simon Hughes · EN

After Englands humbling 253 run defeat, simon Mann and Simon Wilde discuss the imminent return of Ben Stokes, his relationship with Brendan McCullum and was England’s defeat an accident waiting to happen after the events of the previous fortnight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon and Nikki discuss play on Day 3. Very much New Zealands day with Henry Nicholls' unbeaten century helping them reach 252/3 in their second innings after England were bowled out for 291. New Zealand ended the day with a commanding lead of 352 runs, leaving England facing an uphill battle and in theory two days to bat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nikki and Simon Mann catch up on day 2 and discuss what was very much a good day for New Zealand. A fabulous knock from Glenn Phillips alongside questionable tactics from England in the morning session. England end the day 7 wickets down and a long way to go, can debutant Cox show what he's worth? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nikki and Simon Mann reflect on Day 1 of the Test at The Oval, where England enjoyed the upper hand despite being without Ben Stokes. On a surface offering good pace and carry but fewer demons than Lord's, England's bowlers maintained pressure throughout the day, taking regular wickets and preventing New Zealand from establishing control. The pair discuss the key spells, standout performances, and what the balance of the match looks like heading into Day 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The events of late Sunday night in London have again set the cat amongst the pigeons and placed Ben Stokes' position in jeopardy. Simon Hughes and Matt Prior debate the hiatus that the captain's off-field antics have caused and who is likely to take over the captaincy in the short term. They also consider Stokes' mental state after four arduous and stressful years in charge. They are joined by a live audience - members of the Worlds Best Cricket Club - to discuss this and other burning cricketing issues. #stokes #cricket #englandcricket #captaincy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England seized an important, confidence boosting win over New Zealand on the fourth day at Lord's but it was achieved on an unsatisfactory pitch that made batting a lottery. The highest score in the match was 57 and 24 batsmen were out bowled or lbw, a Test match record. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann review the game, analyse what benefits have been gleaned and assess what the MCC can do about a pitch issue which has been a talking point for a couple of years, though Lord's is not the only major ground having problems. This podcast is supported by SumUp - Making Tax Digital. For more information visit - https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small amount of play on the third day at Lord's there were two significant moments. Another excellent dismissal achieved by Ollie Robinson and Jamie Smith moving up to the stumps to enhance Robinson's effectiveness which immdiately brought a wicket. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior reflect on the importance of that move and also reveal what cricketers do when it rains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The second day of the Lords Test was again a bowler-friendly day, and England ended it on top with New Zealand needing another 225 to win - to make the highest score of the match with only 7 wickets in hand. Star of the day debutant Emilio Gay who made the highest individual score of the match - 57 - to give England foundation and a handy lead. Simon Hughes, Simon Mann and Matt Prior analyse the day, and forecast the outcome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An extraordinary bowler-dominated day at Lord's when 16 wickets fell for only 200 runs. England's reboot was scotched by excellent New Zealand seam bowling and an awkward first day pitch, not what the MCC would have wanted to celebrate the 150th Test match at the famous ground. But after England had been routed for 140, the recalled Ollie Robinson retorted with three wickets in his opening over - including Kane Williamson for a second ball duck and now England are on top with New Zealand reeling at 61-6. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann but former England star Matt Prior to try to make sense of a crazy day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first Test of the summer is here - the 150th ever staged at Lord's - an opportune moment for England to banish their Ashes ills. Can Stokes and McCullum be realigned on their philosophies and make England more than the sum of their parts, rather than less? The public demand it after the woes of last winter. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann are joined by double Ashes winner Matt Prior to debate how England rediscover their mojo and get back on the winning road. Prior also recalls the joy of making your Test debut at the Home of Cricket (which he celebrated by making a hundred) and assesses how Jamie Smith will go as England's first choice keeper. This podcast is supported by SumUp - Making Tax Digital. For more information visit https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/business-account/making-tax-digital/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices